Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Next morning: Headmaster's office
"Lemon drop anyone?"- the Headmaster offered politely to his visitors. He chuckled seeing like the four men which were sitting in front of them declined his generous offer.
Severus Snape, the Potions Master, looked at him carefully, while Remus Lupin, the DADA professor was sitting casually in his chair. Colonel Stryker as well as Dr. Richards were sitting with a straight backs, clearly showing their military education.
"Are you progressing at the matter Severus?"-asked old man.
His Potion Master was supposed to create a potion, which would affect human's pheromones, giving them the smell of a werewolf. This was all that Albus knew and had been worried about. Their mark was too important to screw it now, but Severus was the best in his field. The Headmaster had no doubt in that.
"Yes, Albus. I've already prepared the Wolfsbane Potion, and Dr. Richards took the blood samples from the students."- he turned his head towards muggle doctor, hinting for him to continue.
"Yes, - said the doctor.- I've completed all analises, but it seems however that we will need to change couple of cadets. I foung an alergic reaction on aconite in three of them: Donaghue, Wallace and Sheremetyev-Orloff. We will need to replace them and do it soon enough, we have only one week left untill the Full Moon."
"The last ingredient – added Snape- would be werewolfes's blood taken on the second night of turning. It will be a one powerfull ingredient. He cannot take the wolfsbane. It will only make things worse."
Headmaster shifted his eyes on Remus. He looked quite healthy, he gained some weight back during the last year, but still his paleness showed his weakness before the Full Moon.
"I am fine, Albus. Really."- he didn't sound sure for the matter.
"How will you be dealing without your wolfsbane? You're sure you want to do it?"
"Yes."- he whispered in reply.
"I wouldn't worry for him much.- said the Colonel.- He won't be feeling a thing...Theodore?"- he asked to his neighbour.
"Well, yes.- Ted, took something from out of his pockets and gave it tho the headmaster. Albus carefully looked at the small glass ampula he had in hand.
"An animal tranquilizer...it is used at the Zoo's to make the wild beasts sleep... He won't feel a thing."
Headmaster took another Lemon drop, then he smiled and stood up from his chair.
"Gentlemen. It seems like we have company."
Meanwhile in the Great Hall:
Draco Malfoy slowly walked into the Great Hall and headed towards the Slytherin House table. One of his closest friends,Blaise Zabini, waved his hand to greet him.
"Hey, Malfoy!"-the Italian grinned, motioning Draco to sit with him. "Finally, would you please be so kind and remove this bloody owl?- he continued as Malfoy sat at the table. "I swear, I can't eat properly it's just looking like its about to shit in my pumpkin juice!"
Only now Draco saw one small black owl flying around the table. He hasn't seen this one before. As soon as the bird saw him, it landed on the table and gave him its leg. There was a letter attached. On the top of the envelope was written with a tiny scrawl: To Draco Malfoy
He looked cautious at the letter and finally opened it.
I
I
Draco,
I've receive a letter from your mother yesterday. The only things I was able to find regarding the H.I.C were:
The only way to get into this school is to be born in Britain, or at least one of your parent is the owner of the British Passport. Special priveleges get kids whose parents were going into H.I.C. as well... Some of the children are chosen from the orphanages, by the unknown criteries...
I know, that you've wanted my help, but the only thing I want to give you is an advice.
Don't go into these things in to deep, son. You don't know of the consequences you might get in.
Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Tonks,
P.S. You might find one particulary interesting article at the bottom of envelope. Just between us, I didn't send it to you. I don't want to get killed by your mother, that is, if Andromeda doesn't get to me first.
I
I
Draco put his hand into the envelope one more time and felt some peace of paper on the bottom, he pulled the paper out and stared at it with a eyes full of surprise. He quickly scanned the paper and the photos on it and then adverted his eyes on the all of four Houses tables, looking carefully at the muggles in front of him.
"What are you thinking of?"- asked Blaise, seeing how changed his friends expession in about of couple of moments.
"The pureblood, - replied blonde, his eyes shifting from one muggle to another.- The Halfblood..."
"And?"- italian asked cautiously, loking at the muggles as well and trying to think what Malfoy saw in them.
"Which one is The Mudblood?"
Outside the Headmasters office:
Ronald Weasley was leaning against the cold stone wall, while his best friend Harry Potter was walking back and forth in front of the Gargoyle and tryed to guess the password of the headmaster's office.
"Sugar Quill?"
"Bounty."
"Twix..."
"Lemon Drop?"
The gargoyle only gave negative answers and didn't even thought of moving and opening the hidden door.
"M&M's?"
"Harry...Harry"- said Ron, not hearing the answer he rolled his eyes. The fact that Harry was additionally saying different food names didn't helped the red haired boy. This was it! The End of the World. Yes, first time in his life Ronald Billius Weasley had missed his breakfast. Why? Because he was standing here for the last half an hour, that's why!
"Berty Boots eve..."
"HARRY!"
Harry turned to face him, his hands shaking sligthly. "Ron you're not helping."
"Took you long enough to notice."- answered Ron. "Harry, mate...-he took a step close, and put his both hands on the Boy Who Lived shoulders. "It's official. You finally lost your marbles."
"You don't get it, don't you?"- Harry stated this with such an expression on his face, that Ron started to doubt his friend's sanity...for real.
"Get what Harry? I can not help you, if you don't saying a thing!"
"Have I ever..- slowly started Harry with a seriouse look in his green eyes, making Ron swallow hard.- ..lied to you?"
"No...?"
"Good."- replied Harry. "Now help me to open this bloody door."
In a second, he heard some distant noice, the gargoyle moved aside revealing the entry in the office.
The Article:
As it was revealed last night, Redginald Bruse Matters Spenser the third, the future 6th Duke of Malborough (19), and his fiance, Lila Josephine Burnett (17)- the daugther of the Bahrain King, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa ibn Malika Al Khalifa (Lila is his 15th daughter, born without marriage) and Diane Burnett set a date for their upcoming wedding at Christmas.
On the picture in far left, you can see both of them in the circle of close friends. To the left from the couple : Diego –Alejandro del Toro Reyes, nephew of the King of Spain, Roldan del Toro; Parker and Hermione James, the children of the Sir Paul Evans-James; Viscount Alexius Warren and Bianca Costa.
To the right of the couple: Robert Lawrence and Christian Fletcher, Laird of Stayton.
In the back, you can also see: Sir Darien McLean, head of McLeod Clan; Nikita Sheremetyev-Orloff, Alec Carter and Megan Higgins.
The list of the high ranked guests is not full. All of them are attending the one High-profile School: Hamilton Intelligence Centre, in Scotland.
The Great Hall:
Professor McGonagall walked to the Gryffindor Table.
"You new quarters have been fixed; the House Elves are already packing your things. Then you will finish your breakfast, please find me, and I will show your new place to stay."
"House what?"
Headmasters office:
Harry quickly ran to open door and stopped at his track not clearly expecting to see the four visitors of the Headmaster so early in the morning.
Ron followed him, slowly rolling his eyes.
"Good Morning, Headmaster.."- he said politly nodding with his head. "Professors."
"Good morning to you, as well, Mr. Weasley."
"Where is it?"- asked Harry without proper greetings from his part.
"What a way to say good morning." Snape couldn't help but to sneer.
"Severus, really...- replied Headmaster and then turned to Harry again.- "Where is 'what' Harry?"
"The body. Have you found the body?"
"Harry.- hissed Ron, tugging on his friends sleeve.- "What are you talking about. –then, added a bit louder. "I'm sorry, he's been like that whole morning."
"Whose body, my boy?"
"Hermione Granger's, of course."- he stated simply.
Dr. Richards along with Colonel both stood up.
"If you'll excuse us gentlemen..."
Remus slightly nodded with his head, and as soon as both military men stepped out of the office, asked Harry to sit down in the vacant place next to him.
"Harry,- the werewolf continued. "You know perfectly well that body was not found. Kingsley was the one who was responsible for the search party at the Ministry. She's just...dissapeared."
"Why did you suddenly remember of this case, Harry?"- asked Dumbledore. "It was years ago. We did everything we could. I'm afraid that Tom did killed her after all.."
"I...I...".-stammered Harry, not knowing what to say.
"The boy is right.- Snape cut in., making everybody look at him with a shocked expresions on their faces. Only Dumbledore was looking at him thoughfully. "Five years ago, twenty years ago... you are making the same mistake again Albus. Remember,- he pointed out. – He was lost as well, and yet, he is found alive."
"It was different Severus, and you know this".- said Remus in reply.
"I see no difference."
Ron was looking from one of his Professors to another. He, just as Harry, didn't understood a word they were talking about.
"What are you talking about?" – asked Harry.
"They are talking about your uncle, Harry."- Dumblerore said simply. "Lemon Drop?"
A/N: and of coarse, REVIEW people:-)